Skip to Content
Talkhouse home
Talkhouse home
Music

Talkhouse Weekend Playlist: Long Drives with Jay Som

Find out what song helps the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist get through traffic without being too stressed.

12:31 PM EDT on October 21, 2016

Recently, Bay Area musician Jay Som (a.k.a. Melina Duterte) signed to Polyvinyl records and announced that on November 18 she will be reissuing her self-recorded full-length Turn Into. Ahead of the release, we asked the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist to help us start your weekend with a Talkhouse Weekend Playlist, and received this gem that spans everything from low key bossa nova from João Gilberto to the soothing sounds of Lil Yachty. Enjoy!
–Dave Lucas, Talkhouse Marketing Manager

Steely Dan – "Do It Again"

This is my ultimate jam – Steely Dan is the best. When the percussion starts and the keys kick in it just grooves too hard. This song has my favorite guitar solo ever.

João Gilberto – "Estate"

I remember riding in my friend's car on long drives listening to João Gilberto late at night. "Estate" is sensual and sweet; his voice never fails to calm me.

Horace Silver Quintet – "Silver's Serenade"

Back when I was a dedicated trumpet player I would play along to this record daily. All the members play so well together and listen to each other tightly; plus my favorite trumpet player Blue Mitchell has the sickest solo.

Carly Rae Jepsen – "Boy Problems"

I'm still completely hooked on her Emotion album! This song is ridiculously catchy/funky because it's basically a French house pop song.

Tadashi Shinkawa
 – "カーニバル"

Sweet and velvety track, love the production and his airy vocals.

So Young – "Sixteen"

I absolutely love the lyrics for this song. The desperation in the vocals and the subject matter instantly transports me to my teen years.

Empress Of – "Hat Trick"

I feel like this track is a shout out to Cocteau Twins. She is a force of nature; I respect and admire her so much as an artist.

Lil Yachty – "1 NIGHT"

I love Lil Yachty and I love this song because that ear worm hook helps me get through traffic without being stressed.

Charlotte Day Wilson – "Work"

I found this song while randomly clicking on YouTube videos. "Work" is one of those songs that pulls you in immediately and makes you feel high.

DeBarge – "I Like It"

One of my favorite songs since I was a kid. My dad had All This Love in his record collection and I remember trying to sing the crazy falsetto notes the singer does at the end. It's incredibly catchy and has the sassiest instrumental arrangements.

(Photo credit – Cara Robbin)

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

Related Stories

Brian Fallon (The Gaslight Anthem) Talks with Greg Barnett (The Menzingers) on the Talkhouse Podcast

On punk rock pasts, chord progressions, battle of the bands, and more.

July 30, 2026

Tasha, Jamila Woods, and L’Rain Choose Fun

A roundtable on collaboration, community, success, and You Are Spring!.

Nobody’s Ever Asked Me That: Peter Dreimanis and Leah Fay Goldstein

The July Talk duo, who can be seen starring in the new romantic comedy Middle Life, go deep about life, love, loss, creativity and more.

Gloorp and Morgan Garrett Talk About DJs and Instagram

The Philly artists catch up about Gloorp Life and more over dinner.

July 24, 2026

Mood Board: Jeffrey Silverstein’s Doggone

The Portland-based artist on how his uncle, Hats N’ Boots, Willy Vlautin, and more inspired his new record.

July 24, 2026

Soft Palms Wants You To Collect Your Royalties

Scott Montoya and Julia Kugel talk their book How To Be Self-Reliant In The Music Business and their new record In Echo.

July 23, 2026